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Key information

A very large, thick-set black-backed gull, with a powerful beak. Adults are blacker than the smaller lesser black-backed gull. It has a heavy flight and can look quite hunched when perched. It will fight off other gulls and chase them to snatch food.

What they eat:

Omnivorous - shellfish, birds and carrion.

Measurements:

Length:

64-78cm

Wingspan:

150-165cm

Weight:

1-2kg

Population:

UK breeding:

17,000 pairs

UK wintering:

76,000 birds

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Similar birds:

Where and when to see them

Great black-backed gulls are found around the coasts in the breeding season. At other times of year it can be found wherever gulls congregate - at reservoir roosts, rubbish tips inland, and bays and harbours.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Resident

Passage

Summer

Winter

Great black-backed gulls can be seen all year round - found inland most in winter.